Dental implants

Dental implants at Otter Creek Dentistry in Tillsonburg

The technology involved in dental implants has changed radically in the last few decades. Although the history of implants goes back a long way, it was not until the use of titanium alloys that the technique really became successful. Until that time, implants didn’t become like a part of the bone. With titanium, the bone can grow right into the metal, forming a healthy bond. The technique for implantation has become very successful. The success rate of these implants is highly dependent on the skill and experience of the dentist or oral surgeon involved as well as the prosthodontist who constructs and inserts the crowns or bridgework on the posts. The results can be truly remarkable.

 

Are you a good candidate for dental implants?

Not only do dental implants look and feel natural, they have the potential to last a lifetime. These alternatives to bridges, crowns and dentures owe their extraordinary stability to the fact that they fuse to the jaw bone. Dental implants also contribute to the health of surrounding teeth because they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support. Thus, as long as patients with missing teeth have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant, they are potential candidates for dental implants. A thorough evaluation by the dentist helps make the determination. Those best suited to this permanent tooth replacement treatment have good overall oral health and are committed to taking care of their (implanted) teeth. Smokers and those with poorly controlled diabetes are not good candidates for dental implants.

Dental implants are artificial substitutes

They are lightweight metal devices that are surgically embedded in the gum or bone to which replacement teeth are attached. The procedure involves the insertion of tiny metal fixtures into the jaw bone. These fixtures actually bond with the bone and become permanent prosthetic teeth. The attached fixed bridge remains in the mouth and can stay secure for years. It’s the next best thing to natural teeth.

Through the use of implants, single replacement teeth or natural teeth that are slightly loose can be anchored into place. This innovation is enabling people who have lost their teeth to illness, injury or congenital defects to enjoy tooth function again. However, they offer the greatest hope to people who cannot function adequately with conventional dentures.